Money Saving Tips on Auto Insurance for Seniors

By Jasper EricksPublished: Friday, June 26th, 2009

Insurance companies see senior-citizen drivers as posing a higher risk on the road than younger people, which makes them offer older people more expensive auto insurance rates. There are a few things that could be done for senior citizens to get their insurance premiums lower.

Senior-citizen discounts.

Older drivers could pick insurance companies that treat senior citizens better than others. Getting the best insurance rates is the goal and you will help your cause if you are reasonably healthy and are driving a modern vehicle with all the necessary safety devices.

Refresher driving courses.

Refresher driving courses like the “55 Alive” which takes eight hours that the AARP offers not only hones older drivers’ knowledge and skills; they also get discounts on their insurance rates. At least 70 percent of all the states order insurance companies to give discounts for these courses.

Learn to drive a modern car.

Get proper training on how to use a modern car with safety devices like anti-lock brakes, which drive differently from older models that do not have them. Choose a car with rear-view mirrors designed to diminish headlight glare and dim automatically. Choose cars with seat belts which are not only a comfortable fit, but also keep you safe. Older drivers will need less effort if they drive cars with power steering, power brakes, and automatic transmission.

Do not wear sunglasses at night.

It is never advisable to wear sunglasses, shades, or tinted glasses when driving at night. These reduce night vision. Older drivers in general should avoid driving when it is dark.

Sit high on the driver’s seat.

To improve your vision and make you see things better towards the front of your vehicle, elevate your sitting position. Sit on a cushion if you cannot adjust your seat to go higher. You will be able to spot bicycle riders and people walking on the street, and decrease glare from vehicles’ headlights coming your way when it’s dark.

Follow traffic flow.

Stay within the speed limit. Slow driving could be just as perilous as speeding, particularly on the freeways and interstates. Driving too slow can induce road rage among impatient drivers.

Be alert at intersections.

Most road accidents that involve senior citizens take place at intersections. Look at the distance if you want to immediately change lanes. Watch out for lanes turning left. They have their own arrows. Maintain the direction of your tires -- pointing directly ahead -- when stopping. This way, even if you are rear-ended, your vehicle will not be pushed into vehicles coming in your direction.